The NHS is rolling out its free winter flu vaccine across the UK, but has advised two groups of people – those with a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose and anyone with a high temperature – not to get the jab
The NHS is currently rolling out its free winter flu jab across the UK. The first phase kicked off on September 1, with initial doses prioritised for pregnant women and children, while the second phase got underway on October 1, extending the vaccination programme to all eligible adults, including those aged 65 and over.
However, the health service advises that two groups of people should not receive the jab this winter. The deadline to book the vaccine online is March 30, 2027, with the final date to receive the jab under the current programme being March 31. The NHS explains that most people are eligible for the vaccine, including adults and children, carers, pregnant women, and close contacts of immunocompromised individuals.
That said, you cannot have the vaccine if you have previously suffered a serious allergic reaction to a prior dose. Similarly, anyone with a high temperature is strongly advised to avoid getting the jab.
The NHS website states: “Most people who are eligible for the flu vaccine can have it. You only cannot have the vaccine if you’ve had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine.”
It adds: “If you have a high temperature, wait until you’re feeling better before having your flu vaccine.”
The jab offers protection against flu and is made available by the NHS every autumn and winter, and is particularly recommended for those most vulnerable to serious illness.
You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you: Frontline health and social care workers should receive the vaccine through their employer, though if this isn’t possible, the NHS recommends getting in touch with your local pharmacy or GP surgery.
The NHS continues: “You can have the flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines such as the COVID-19 and shingles vaccines.
“If you’re pregnant, you can have it at the same time as other pregnancy vaccinations, such as the RSV vaccine (from 28 weeks) and whooping cough vaccine.
“It’s not usually given to older adults at the same time as the RSV vaccine, but you can have them at the same time if a doctor or nurse thinks it’s needed.”
Potential side effects include soreness at the injection site, a raised temperature and body aches, while more serious reactions such as severe allergic responses are extremely uncommon.
The NHS adds: “The flu vaccine aims to protect you against the most common types of flu viruses. There’s still a chance you might get flu after getting vaccinated, but it’s likely to be milder and not last as long.
“The vaccine usually takes up to 14 days to work. Protection from the flu vaccine goes down with time and the types of flu virus the vaccine protects against are updated each year. This is why it’s important to get the flu vaccine every year.”